I-TECH specializes in developing appropriate research designs and methods for application in resource-limited settings, to get answers to research questions in real time. A university-based program, I-TECH draws from experts in qualitative and quantitative methods in a wide range of theoretical and practical disciplines, including health economics, anthropology, health sciences, medicine, and education.
I-TECH’s monitoring and evaluation staff work to ensure the efficacy of health care training sessions and programs by applying their expertise in cost analysis, data collection, and measurement to rigorous evaluations of these interventions.
I-TECH conducts operations research to inform every phase of programming, starting with assessments to clarify the underlying nature and parameters of a problem before an intervention begins, ensuring that the appropriate one will be developed or applied.
Special studies are also designed to answer questions about specific program strategies and approaches. Such research questions might include: Will an intensive nurse training program result in more effective patient care? Will onsite clinical mentoring help to improve systems related to patient care? What type of interventions will lead to improved screening and care of HIV-infected mothers and their babies?
I-TECH has also supported the development of innovative evaluation and assessment tools to help strengthen health systems:
- The Clinical Assessment for Systems Strengthening (ClASS) framework is designed to to foster country-owned, sustainable, and high quality HIV and other health care and treatment programs that promote equity and accountability.
- The Training Evaluation Framework and Tools (TEFT) aims to help evaluators, implementers, and program managers at all levels plan successful evaluations of in-service training program outcomes.
Click here for a list of evaluations and assessments conducted by I-TECH.